Lots of Flowers
Transforming vacant lots into Pollinator Pathways
Pittsburgh, PA
The Lots of Flowers program naturalized 17 vacant urban lots by seeding perennial wildflower fields, ie. pollinator pathways, in an urban ecosystem. This program provided critical habitat for pollinators to flourish, reduced soil erosion, and increased stormwater infiltration in urban neighborhoods which contribute to combined sewage overflow of the City of Pittsburgh. Alongside these ecological benefits, the community was beautified, long term maintenance was diminished, and neighbors were activated through vacant lot stewardship programs.
35,000+ square feet of new pollinator habitat in the urban core
17 vacant lots reclaimed by neighborhood stewards
6 vacant lots tested for lead with the Allegheny County Conservation District
5 vacant lots adopted through the City of Pittsburgh’s Adopt a Lot program
300+ hours of volunteer time by partner organizations
46 pounds of native Pennsylvania wildflower seed planted
Partners
Hilltop Alliance, Neighborhood Allies, Colcom Foundation, PNC Foundation, and residents of Mt. Oliver, Beltzhoover, Allentown, and Knoxville neighborhoods in the City of Pittsburgh, PA
Project Roles
Program design and implementation, site design and implementation
Fundraising
$150,000+ from Colcom Foundation, PNC Foundation, Neighborhood Allies, and local donors
10+ events, 250+ volunteers, 300+ volunteer hours